Edin Dzeko struck inside the first minute and his side never looked back, with the Red Devils rarely mustering an effort on goal before Yaya Toure added the gloss at the death. The Bosnia striker was selected ahead of Alvaro Negredo by City boss Manuel Pellegrini for the tussle at Old Trafford.

United's defence was in disarray as Fernandinho passed left for Samir Nasri, and although the Frenchman's shot hit the post, the lurking Dzeko netted from close range.

It took at least 15 minutes for the hosts to settle but even before the half-hour mark, both Danny Welbeck and Marouane Fellaini were somewhat fortunate to only receive yellow cards for challenges on Pablo Zabaleta - particularly the Belgian, who blatantly elbowed the City full-back in full view of the ref. Kompany also recieved a yellow for a foul on Welbeck.

Juan Mata passed up a great chance to equalise towards the end of the first half.

The second half started and City remained in charge. From a Nasri corner, Kompany flicked the ball on and Fernandinho headed over. United did not heed the warning, did not tighten their marking. From another Nasri corner, Ferdinand dozed off and Dzeko finished expertly.
Before launching into a Poznan, City fans chanted “Fergie, Fergie give us a wave” in the direction of the watching Sir Alex Ferguson and “Moyesie is the chosen one”.

United created their best chance in the 72nd minute as Rafael picked out Danny Welbeck with a cross from the right. But Hart did well to save Welbeck's attempt and preserve City's two-goal lead.

As Old Trafford emptied out in the final minutes, Toure made it 3-0 with a low finish at the far post to seal City's convincing victory.

In summary United were poor,City were that good,a class apart, a team accelerating in their pursuit of the Premier League title. The only proximity between City and United was in postcodes but the distance grows.

City were hungrier, faster, stronger, more intelligent and better organised than United.

Photo: Action Images

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